The Vein Patterning 1 (VEP1) Gene Family Laterally Spread through an Ecological Network
2011

The Spread of the VEP1 Gene in Plants and Fungi

publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Tarrío Rosa, Ayala Francisco J., Rodríguez-Trelles Francisco, Stiller John W.

Primary Institution: Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Hypothesis

How does the VEP1 gene family spread through ecological networks?

Conclusion

The VEP1 gene likely originated in bacteria and has been transferred multiple times to plants and fungi, playing a crucial role in their evolution.

Supporting Evidence

  • VEP1 is essential for plant development and defense.
  • The gene has been transferred multiple times between bacteria and eukaryotes.
  • VEP1's distribution suggests it plays a role in ecological interactions.

Takeaway

The VEP1 gene helps plants and fungi grow and defend themselves, and it has moved between different species over time, like a game of tag.

Methodology

The study used phylogenetic analysis and gene presence/absence data to trace the evolutionary history of the VEP1 gene.

Potential Biases

Potential biases in the phylogenetic analysis due to incomplete genome data.

Limitations

The study's conclusions are based on the available genomic data, which may not cover all relevant taxa.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0022279

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication